Submission to the Australian Government Regarding Reduction in NDIS Funding

I write as a family carer for my son, who relies on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to live safely, participate in the community, and maintain dignity, routine, and stability. I strongly oppose any reduction in NDIS funding that would limit access to the supports he depends on every day. For families like mine, NDIS funding is not an optional extra or a convenience. It is the difference between a life that is supported, connected, and meaningful, and one that is marked by isolation, stress, and preventable decline. It helps hold our daily lives together and protects both my son’s wellbeing and the sustainability of our family as his carers.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 1427

many potatoes or other ingredients are needed. They also assist him to clean his part of the house, including his kitchen, bedroom, TV room, bathroom, and toilet. He becomes easily distracted when cleaning, so support workers are important in helping him stay on task and complete these responsibilities properly. Just as importantly, having support workers come to the house gives redacted valuable time to interact with someone other than his parents. redacted another family home`.This social interaction is an important part of his routine and helps build communication confidence relationships beyond help them develop independence dignity responsibility social development everyday literacy numeracy skills while ensuring that he can live a safe functional environment Without it would become much harder manage safely consistently growth connection lost. also desperately wants work whether paid employment volunteer Sadly since left school neither opportunities eventuated This has been deeply disappointing because not income purpose routine contribution being seen valued community More this area make real difference including practical assistance people disability prepare connect suitable opportunities receive right sustain participation Incentives businesses employ people disability create pathways often closed off If ’s NDIS funding were reduced impact daily life immediate significant Would be at risk losing individualised supports help access community maintain routines building skills managing tasks home without support workers transport cooking cleaning structured activities more isolated less independent far limited ability enjoy It place enormous pressure our try fill those gaps unpaid carers cannot replace formal sustainable way reduction simply mean fewer services paper means loss independence opportunity connection quality for son Why Reducing NDIS Funding Cause Harm Any reduction Scheme have serious consequences participants families Supports funded through cover ordinary essential parts life: daily activities therapies equipment,transport respite assist person participate education, employmentcommunity when these are reduced need does disappear Simply pushed onto unpaid members already providing substantial care every day night result efficiency increased strain safety greater crisis families doing everything they can As know limits Families absorb endless increases caring responsibilities impacts health employment income relationships mental wellbeing When formal reduces forced to gap personal financial cost may reducing paid medical ourselves giving up rest recover Over time undermines well-being of carers stability and the receiving support

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 1427

Reducing funding is also a false economy. If participants cannot access early, regular, and appropriate supports, their needs often escalate. This can lead to hospital admissions, mental health crises, family breakdown, housing instability, and greater pressure on health, education, and social services. A sustainable NDIS should not be achieved by withdrawing essential supports from people with disability and expecting families to carry the risk without adequate assistance.

Concerns About Current Reform Directions

The Australian Government has stated that NDIS reforms should improve the Scheme for participants, families, and carers, while also ensuring long-term sustainability. It has also emphasised the importance of consultation and careful sequencing of reform. However, families remain concerned about cost containment measures, funding periods, changes in planning processes may reduce flexibility or create additional stress if introduced before broader foundational support are fully established. Recent sector feedback highlights concerns regarding: The flexibility of funding periods; The urgency needed during change-of-circumstances; And risks associated transitioning participants into new approaches prior necessary external supports outside scheme available Carer advocacy groups argue explicitly including family friend carers within assessments plans reviews because they provide critical information daily care needs risk sustaining informal care.

Recommendations

1. Do **not** reduce NDIS funding participant's ongoing essential needs.
2. Ensure any reform related planning budgeting release arrangements protects safety continuity genuine choice control.
3. Recognise family unpaid carers as key partners throughout assessment review process respecting wishes rights individual involved.
4. Avoid shifting costs onto unpaid carers hospitals schools already stretched systems.
5. Establish fund community-based disability services before making changes narrowing access to individualized NDIS supports.
6. Improve communication with participants carers by providing clear accessible timely information proposed changes review rights.
7. Increase practical employment volunteering pathways for people disabilities encourage businesses inclusive opportunities through appropriate incentives and support.
8. Measure the impact reforms not only on budget terms but also in outcomes, wellbeing long-term social economic benefits.

Conclusion

I urge Australian Government reject approach sustainability comes at expense practical supports people disability their families rely every day Fair sustainable Scheme must protect participants’ rights recognise enormous contribution clearly.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 1427

limits of unpaid carers, and ensure that reforms are implemented with care, transparency, and genuine co-design. For my son, this funding supports far more than services. It supports his\nindependence, his safety, his inclusion, and the life he loves. Reducing that support may lower
expenditure on paper in the short term, but it would come at a far greater human and financial cost in\nthe long term.

redacted: Parent and carer of redacted, QLD 28 May 2026